Tag Archive for 'LinkUp'

#MusicMonday – HaZiq aLi: Business Is Good

Haziq Ali - Business is Good

Who: Haziq Ali (pronunced Ha-zeek) is a motivational hip-hop artist from DC, now in Atlanta. Owner of Organized Rhyme, he’s out to set an example that rappers can make motivational music without sounding peachy (or in the worse case, cheesy). He’s also a motivational speaker who’s serious about helping others help themselves.

How Did I Discover Him: I didn’t really discover him, he discovered me. We met via Twitter and never mentioned anything about himself to me. I followed him back,  and after consulting with him about his Wordpress blog, he started talking about and mentioning me more. So, I decided to ask him for a mixtape. He told me that he’s actually got an album. Without even researching him (other than from his blog posts), I was in shocked when I heard the album.

First Impressions: It’s a rare feat for me to listen through an entire album without skipping a track, especially from someone who I have not heard about… at all. I actually like the album this way is in itself high praise. The sound is a mixture of southern hip-hop and positive vibes. His flow brought back memories of Lord Have Mercy, a former member of Flipmode Squad. (you know, back in the day when it’s was more than just a brand name Busta Rhymes says in every damn song… now, it’s just a brand name Busta Rhymes says in every damn song)

Hard Hitting Track: There’s a few gems in here that I think are worth mentioning. “Mash” comes to mind. I can’t pick just one track, so I’ll have to say three tracks in addition to “Mash” would be “There He Goes Again” (it got comical truths about the way the world works) and “Trap Musick” (he explains why they call it “Trap Musick”, along with a familiar hook right out of an 80s Coke commercial)

How To get The Music: Other than Lala (the previews here will allow you to play the whole song once. Afterwards, you can buy the MP3 or “rent it” for 10 cents and play it unlimited from Lala’s website.), you can also buy it from Amazon as an MP3 or CD. It’s a full album full of songs that is worth the purchase. On the CD, there’s a phone number to contact Haziq directly, which makes the motivational part of his game just as real as his music.

So, get “Business Is Good” and Prosper.

Haziq’s Twitter :: Haziq’s MySpace Page :: Haziq’s Wordpress Blog

#MusicMondays – Every Monday (when I get the free time), I will share music and showcasing artists who’s making it happen for themselves. Check out Thought Remixer on Mondays for new artists.

If you’re an artist and would like to be consider, simply contact me via the contact page or upload your music on the ride side of the blog. All music will be review to, chart on Last.FM and if I like it, I’ll write a post about it. Of course, if you paid attention to the last two artists in this series, they never really asked me to review their music, I asked them. So, you might want to be creative with your approach.

#MusicMonday – Dezaray Dawn

Dezaray Dawm - Chameleon EP

Who: Dezaray Dawn. She’s an indie songwriter and singer. Neo-soul artist Anthony David is a cousin, as are Sean Stockman of Boys II Men fame, and Tiny from Xscape. (Read her bio here)

How Did I Discover Her: She followed me on Twitter, silently. During one of my cleanup rounds, I commented that I like her picture because she reminds me of an Egyptian Queen. A few days later, I went to her MySpace page, listened to her music snippets and fell in love with her ever since.

First Impression: True to the “Neo-Soul Sound”, the back drop of the title single of the EP (Chameleon) took me back to the days of Janet Jackson’s dance tracks. The rest of this EP makes me feel like I’m listen to a futuristic soul singer. My only regret is that it’s only an EP with 5 songs (or 4 songs and 1 Remix). However, for 30 minutes of soulful honest music, it’s worth supporting the artist. You can mix her songs along with your other soulful tracks and it won’t skip a beat.

Hard Hitting Track: Chameleon. (Check it out below) I like all of them, but this is by far my favorite.

How To Get The Music: Chameleon EP is a free download for a limited time. Afterwards it’s $5. However, do donate if you like the EP. I know that the full album release will be something to look forward to.

Dezary Dawn’s Twitter :: Dezary Dawn’s MySpace :: Dezary Dawn’s Official Website/Blog

#MusicMondays – Every Monday (starting with this Monday), I will share music and showcasing artists who’s making it happen for themselves. Check out Thought Remixer on Mondays for new artists. To be consider, simply contact me via the contact page or upload your music on the ride side of the blog. All music will be review to, chart on Last.FM and if I like it, I’ll write a post about it.

Celebrity Financial Mistakes (Learn From Their Mistakes)

imageWhat does Michael Jackson, MC Hammer, Wesley Snipes, Naomi Campbell, Mike Tyson and Issac Hayes all have in common? Well, for one, they are all notable celebrities… that have trouble with their finances in one form or another. With Michael Jackson selling off Neverland and memorabilia, one would think “wait a minute. Isn’t he rich?”

(More after the jump)

Continue reading ‘Celebrity Financial Mistakes (Learn From Their Mistakes)’

Hip-Hop Explained [LinkUp]

Have you ever wondered why Hip-Hop is popular? How about the origins? What is the real difference between East Coast and West Coast?

If you ever ask yourself what is the major differences and why this genre of music is different from others, then Audiotuts have a post worth reading.

This post covers the “sound of hip-hop” and it’s basically brief overview of hip-hop. It explains the different sub-genres (east, west, south and midwest), musical elements and a brief history. While the post may not cover other sub-genres (like hardcore, “horror-core” and “conscious”), it is a good introduction and can help educate people into the music.

West Coast? East Coast? Hip-Hop Explained [Audiotuts]

The Most Overused Samples in Hip-Hop [LinkUp]

Ever heard “Why You Treat Me So Bad”, “I Got 5 On It” and “Satisfy You” and wondered… who’s the next artist that’s going to use that beat? Well, first off, wonder no more, because it’s going to be me. *snickers*

But if there’s one thing we love about hip-hop is that it uses samples from classic records, aka “making something from nothing”. But as producing beats and live instrumentals become more and more accepted, sampling is still one art form that is makes hip-hop unique. However, there are times when these samples are overused. Audiotuts came up with 8 of the most over-used samples in Hip-Hop history.

I don’t think they wrote this article as to bash Hip-Hop, but more to educate you. I found this article interesting, but I think the list is lacking some details. However, like all lists, they care debatable. :)

8 Most Over-Used Samples In Hip Hop HistoryAudiotuts (Audio Tutorial site)

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